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Multiple Choice
Which molecule produces the most ATP during cellular respiration?
A
Pyruvate
B
Glucose
C
Acetyl-CoA
D
NADH
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the process of cellular respiration, which consists of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.
Identify the role of each molecule in cellular respiration: Glucose is the starting molecule for glycolysis, Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, Acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle, and NADH is a key electron carrier in oxidative phosphorylation.
Consider the ATP yield from each stage: Glucose is broken down during glycolysis to produce Pyruvate, generating a small amount of ATP directly and NADH for further ATP production.
Examine the citric acid cycle: Acetyl-CoA enters this cycle, producing NADH and FADH2, which are crucial for ATP production in the electron transport chain.
Evaluate oxidative phosphorylation: NADH and FADH2 donate electrons to the electron transport chain, leading to the production of a significant amount of ATP. Glucose, as the initial substrate, ultimately leads to the highest ATP yield through these processes.